1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

A PUBLICATION OF THE ALUMNI-DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Volume 10, Number 1 • July 2012
ARCHBISHOP LUCAS HONORED AT FESTA DEL LEONE page 6
Matza
McKeone
CAPS OFF TO THE CLASS OF 2012
83 graduating seniors to continue their education
page 8
Alumnus of the Year
Jeff Matza honored at senior breakfast
page 9
honorary alumnus of the year
Phil McKeone recognized at graduation ceremony
page 10
NEW TRACK UP AND RUNNING
Roncalli hosts first invitational track meet
page 14
Roncalli Catholic High School
2
Mark your Calendars!
A Roncalli Catholic Tradition
High Tea November 4
Save the date for Roncalli Catholic’s 12th Annual High
Tea fundraiser set for Sunday, November 4. This event is a
Roncalli Catholic tradition that encourages creativity and
fun while raising funds for scholarship and tuition grant
programs for our students.
Each year, Rummel Gymnasium is converted into a large
tea room, with hostesses decorating each table in their
own unique theme. From fine
china to paper plates, from
garden party hats to Husker
caps, this event appeals to
women of all ages.
Watch for more information
and check online for other
exciting happenings:
www.roncallicatholic.org
CLICK ON THE ADS THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE TO VISIT THE RCHS SUPPORTER’S WEBSITE
proud to support
J. Skinner Baking Company is proud to support Roncalli Catholic High School
baked fresh daily in omaha
skinnerbaking.com
PRIDE
July 2012
3
Inside July 2012
High Tea - November 4
2
A Word from Mr. Jeff Dempsey
4-5
Festa del Leone Raises $150,000
6-7
Caps off to the Class of 2012
8
Alumnus of the Year, Jeff Matza
9
Honorary Alumnus of the Year, Phil McKeone
10
Alumnus T. J. Orr Named Admissions Director
11
New Communications Coordinator
11
New Database Coordinator
11
Fireworks Fundraiser Benefits RCHS Students
12
Students Help Others during Annual Retreat
12
RCHS Hosts Music in Catholic Schools Concerts
12
Spring Concert Held April 17 12
Summer Arts Camps at RCHS
13
Swing with Pride Golf Outing
13
RCHS New Track Up and Running
14
All About Alums 15
Crimson Pride Varsity Football Schedule
16
Varsity Football Season Opener at Home
16
23rd Annual Swing with Pride A. Len Leavitt Memorial Golf Open
There’s Still Time to Make your Reservation!
SEE PAGE 13 FOR DETAILS
Roncalli Catholic High School
4
A Word from Mr. Jeff Dempsey, our President
Roncalli Catholic Supporters:
Great progress continued throughout the summer at Roncalli Catholic. These past few
months, we built on last summer's major campus renovation efforts to keep the momentum
going! Here are some highlights:
Father Chi joins us full-time
In June, we received positive word from Archbishop Lucas, regarding our request and
hope of having Fr. Chi Igboanusi join us here on a full-time basis. Fr. Chi’s full-time
status will allow him to more fully focus on the pastoral needs of the Roncalli Catholic
community, to spend time in the classroom, and to preside over near-daily Mass in our
Chapel. This is tremendous news and a blessing for us all.
Admissions and Recruitment
Jeff Dempsey, President
Roncalli Catholic High School
The Pride Online
Two out of three issues of
PRIDE will be electronic
only, featured solely on our
website.
The November edition will
remain a printed magazine,
but will also be available
online. It will continue to
feature our valued donors,
members entered into the
Memorial Association and
our volunteers, who have
been honored for their
service and dedication to
Roncalli Catholic.
On the recruitment front, thanks to the work and confidence of many, RCHS will welcome
a freshman class which promises to be our largest incoming class in more than a decade.
The Class of 2016, combined with our returning students, comes to us from throughout the
metropolitan area including 40+ different elementary schools, parishes and churches. This
is an ongoing testament to the quality, Catholic, college preparatory education provided
here at Roncalli Catholic. T. J. Orr, Roncalli Catholic ’96, our new Admissions and
Recruitment Director, has worked throughout the summer solidifying the freshman class,
with numerous students and families who have chosen to transfer to RCHS, and with our
new and returning international students.
These successful recruitment efforts come on the heels of our graduating Class of 2012
who were awarded more than $5.7 million in scholarships. These students also completed
more than 9,200 community service hours during their four years at Roncalli Catholic –
an average of 108 hours per student. These are impressive accomplishments of which we
should all be proud.
Technology Upgrades
During several weeks over the summer, we completed a much needed upgrade to our
computer network equipment and servers. Our two outdated servers were replaced
with three high quality, vastly upgraded servers. This was an important, behind-thescenes project which will allow us to keep pace with current and future technology and
computer needs.
Fireworks
Our second annual fireworks fundraiser was a huge success. Spanning 10 days, several of
them with 100 degree temperatures, we were able to well exceed our projected net income.
These funds, along with our other fundraising efforts, will help us keep our tuition the
lowest of any Omaha-area Catholic high school and as financially accessible as possible.
Thank you to all of the parents, past parents and students who volunteered hundreds of
hours to make this effort such a success.
Swing with Pride (Not too late to join the fun! See page 13 for details.)
Our 23rd Annual Roncalli Catholic Swing with Pride A. Len Leavitt Memorial Golf Open
continued on page 5
PRIDE
July 2012
A Word from Mr. Jeff Dempsey
continued from page 4
will be held on August 6 at The Player’s Club at Deer Creek.
This is a great time to enjoy the camaraderie of the RCHS
family and to support our school. Thank you to the many
volunteers who make this annual event such a success.
There is still time to register to play or to volunteer. If
interested, more information may be found on our web
site, www.roncallicatholic.org.
These are just a few of our continued successes and I look
forward to providing future updates. Always feel free to
contact me directly with questions and suggestions as we
work together to create an even stronger Roncalli Catholic.
God bless.
5
The PRIDE
­is published by the
Office of Stewardship and Development
of Roncalli Catholic High School, Omaha, NE.
The Office of Stewardship and Development includes:
Public Relations, Recruitment and Retention,
Alumni Relations, Special Events,
Communications and Fundraising.
©2012, All rights reserved.
Materials in The PRIDE may be reproduced
provided prior permission is obtained from the
editor and credit is given.
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT
Jeffrey M. Dempsey
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Rev. Lloyd A. Gnirk
EDITOR
Kristi Berger
Jeff Dempsey, President
Roncalli Catholic High School
PHOTOGRAPHY
Development and Alumni Office
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Goodrich and Goodrich, LLC
We hope you enjoy this online version of
The Pride magazine.
Remember that all text in blue
can be clicked on to take you to the page
with the story or website referred to.
We appreciate all our advertisers.
It’s because of their support that
the March and July issues are made possible.
Be sure to visit their websites
by clicking on their ads.
If you are a business owner,
consider advertising your
services or products here.
For advertising information contact
Duffi Goodrich • [email protected]
Nancy Sweene • [email protected]
STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Jeffrey M. Dempsey, President
Rev. Lloyd A. Gnirk, President Emeritus
Rev. Gerald Igboanusi, Roncalli Catholic Chaplain
Barbara Norris, Business Manager
Kelly Bosn, Database Coordinator
Kristi Berger, Communications Coordinator
Darlene Perrotto, Administrative Assistant
T. J. Orr, Director of Admissions and Recruitment
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Please contact Nancy Sweene
(402) 339-7024 • FAX (402) 597-1321
[email protected]
or the
Roncalli Catholic Development Office
(402) 571-7670 • FAX (402) 571-3216
www.roncallicatholic.org
All advertising dollars are sent directly to
Roncalli Catholic High School
and help to underwrite the cost of this publication.
Roncalli Catholic High School
6
Mark your calendar
for next year’s
Festa del Leone
April 13, 2013
The highlight of the evening
was the presentation of the
Pope John XXIII Award to the
Most Reverend George J. Lucas,
Archbishop of Omaha.
RONCALLI CATHOLIC’S
FESTA DEL LEONE OVERCOMES WEATHER
FORECAST TO RAISE $150,000
A
Even the roar of the weather could not keep more than 350 people from attending
Roncalli Catholic’s Festa del Leone on Saturday, April 14. The event raised more than
$150,000 to support the school through scholarship, tuition assistance and technology
programs.
Festa del Leone, translated “feast of the lion,” is the school’s premier fundraising event,
rich with traditions 23 years in the making. As part of this long-standing tradition, the
school’s Rummel Gymnasium was transformed into a formal dining room, complete
with carpeting, golden lions and student servers in white gloves. The night featured:
a signature dinner catered by Attitude on Food; live and silent auctions; and a raffle
drawing with a $5,000 TV and entertainment system grand prize.
B
Festa del Leone Photo Album
A. E
njoying the festivities were Father Ryan
Lewis, RCHS President Jeff Dempsey and
President Emeritus Father Lloyd Gnirk
B. Event chairs were Judi and Bill Larson;
honorary chairs were Kate and Leonard
Sommer (Rummel 1972).
Festa del Leone photos courtesy
Green Room Studios
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Pope John XXIII Award to the
Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha. The Pope John XXIII Award,
named after Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli, is bestowed upon those individuals who
exhibit extraordinary devotion and commitment to Roncalli Catholic and “serving the
children and friends of God.” RCHS President Jeff Dempsey and President Emeritus
Father Lloyd Gnirk presented the award.
According to President Jeff Dempsey it was an honor to have the Archbishop receive
the award and attend the event.
“We appreciate the Archbishop’s support of Roncalli Catholic and all of his service to
our entire community,” said Dempsey.
Event chairs were Judi and Bill Larson; honorary chairs were Kate and Leonard
Sommer (Rummel 1972).
“I am so thankful for the support and efforts of the chairs and the volunteers who
made this event such a success,” continued Dempsey.
The silent auction and wine grotto, featuring donated wine and wine-themed baskets,
continued on page 7
PRIDE
July 2012
7
D
C
E
F
Festa del Leone photos
courtesy
Green Room Studios
FESTA DEL LEONE
. . . continued from page 6
Festa del Leone Photo Album
were held in the school’s brand new Activity Center. The center
is a 4,000 sq. ft. room created through the renovation of four
former classrooms to serve as the new home for the wrestling
team, and will be used by the cheerleaders and dance team, for
alumni reunions and a variety of other school functions.
C. and D. Many other guests join Archbishop George Lucas
Dave Webber served as the Master of Ceremonies for the
festivities and Monsignor James Gilg gave the invocation. The
evening menu featured beef tenderloin medallions served over
garlic baby red mashed potatoes with a green peppercorn demi
glaze, seasonal grilled vegetables along with caramel apple
streusel cheesecake and chocolate truffle torte for dessert.
F. RCHS President Emeritus Father Lloyd Gnirk visited with
Major corporate sponsors for the event included Alegent
Health, Immanuel Medical Center; Parking Area Maintenance
(Leonard Sommer, Rummel 1972); and Continuum Worldwide
(Jeff Matza, RCHS 1977) donated all printed materials including
invitations, catalogs and signs for the evening.
CLICK ON THE ADS WITH BLUE BORDERS
TO VISIT THE ADVERTISER’S WEBSITE
for the evening’s celebration.
E. G
uests visited the silent auction and wine grotto, featuring
donated wine and wine-themed baskets, held in the school’s
brand new Activity Center.
Dave Webber, who served as the Master of Ceremonies.
Roncalli Catholic High School
8
Caps off to Roncalli Catholic Class of 2012!
Cooper Sedlacek, Natalie Solis and Matthew Soltys line
up for the May 20 Graduation Mass.
Graduating seniors Allison Wolff, Hailey Worthy, and
Kayleen Wright.
On Sunday, May 20, 83 Roncalli Catholic students crossed the stage, received their diplomas and moved their tassels to the left side. But this
impressive class of 2012 did much more than simply graduate from our school.
• T
hese students were awarded $5.7 million in scholarship money
to continue their education – a sum that has not been seen in at
least 15 years.
• T
hey completed more than 9,200 community service hours in
their four years at the school; that’s an average of 108 hours
per student. In fact, these graduates exceeded their senior year
volunteer requirement by more than 400 hours.
• G
raduate Joe Kramer was appointed to the prestigious West Point
Academy, known as the world’s premier leader development
institution. Each year, less than 15% of applicants receive this
appointment.
• S enior Tom Mullen, earned a perfect ACT score and was
recognized by the Governor as one of only eight students in the
state to do so. This is the second year in a row that an RCHS
senior has achieved a perfect score. J. Price Comstock, who was
a senior at RCHS last year, also scored a perfect 36 on the test.
• T
his class of overachievers had not one, but TWO Valedictorians –
Margaret Findall and Janice Mullen. Fifteen students graduated
with high honors (cumulative G.P.A. of 3.75 and higher) and 13
with honors (cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 to 3.74).
Next year, these 83 students will be continuing their educations in-town, across the region and as far away as Alabama, New York and
Hawaii. From trade schools and colleges - from universities to military service, they will surely be achieving great things.
Congratulations Roncalli Catholic Class of 2012!
CLICK ON THE ADS WITH BLUE BORDERS TO VISIT THAT RCHS SUPPORTER’S WEBSITE
PRIDE
July 2012
9
2012 Alumnus of the Year
Jeff Matza (1977) Supplied Keys to Success of New Marketing Efforts
Jeff Matza (1977) was honored as the
2012 Alumnus of the year and spoke
at Roncalli Catholic’s Senior Breakfast
on May 16. He attended Archbishop
Rummel/Roncalli
Catholic
and
graduated with the class of 1977; the
last freshman class of Rummel High
School.
Matza and Continuum Worldwide,
where he is the president, were
instrumental in the new marketing
and branding efforts of the school.
The work included the design of
our new logo as well as the creation
and printing of recruitment and
promotional pieces.
According to Roncalli Catholic President Jeff Dempsey, Matza’s
enthusiasm and limitless help were the keys to the success of
the school’s new marketing and branding efforts.
“Mr. Matza and his talented group of marketing professionals
and artists worked hard to help us
reach our goals, updating our logo and
expanding our marketing efforts, all
while remaining true to our original
lion,” said Dempsey.
Dempsey says the expanded marketing
and recruitment efforts, along with
the campus-wide improvements,
contributed to the school’s ability to
register close to 100 students for the
incoming freshman class. This is the
largest incoming class in more than 15
years.
During his speech, Matza encouraged
students to be open to what life has to
bring, and to be passionate about their
chosen path and stewardship efforts.
Continuum World Wide is a Mutual of Omaha affiliate security
company offering compliance, assessments, governance, and
incident response services. Prior to Continuum, Matza was the
Vice President of Special Investigations for Mutual of Omaha,
where he devoted more than 25 years to fraud investigation
and supervision. Matza was also Chairperson of the Institute
for Healthcare Fraud Prevention as well as Chairperson of
the National Healthcare Anti-Fraud Association, both from
Washington D.C.
Matza’s lectures reached an international audience and covered
numerous topics such as Investigative Management, Fraud
Evidence and Collection, Interviewing and Interrogation,
and Internal Diversion of Assets. He has been a frequent
presenter for numerous trade associations, the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, and was also a joint presenter with
the Department of Justice in providing anti-fraud training to
members of New Scotland Yard.
Jeff has been married for 28 years to Lynnette and they have
two children, Kelli and Steve. Kelli is currently an art teacher at
Papillion South and Steve is a senior majoring in Finance and
Economics at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
10
Roncalli Catholic High School
2012 Honorary Alumnus of the Year
Phil McKeone Instumental in Completion
of New Parking Lot and Track
Phil McKeone, President of Daedalus Construction, was named the 2012 Roncalli
Catholic Honorary Alumnus at the school’s May 20 Graduation and Mass.
According to RCHS President Jeff Dempsey, McKeone and Daedalus Construction were
instrumental in the completion of the school’s new parking lot, competition-grade
track, concrete flooring in the new activity center and other campus improvements.
(See page 14 for information and a photo of the new track.)
“Thanks to Mr. McKeone and Daedalus Construction we were able to achieve more
than we ever thought possible with these projects,” said Dempsey.
In fact, the school received two awards for the design and construction of its new
parking service; one from the Nebraska Concrete Paving Association (NCPA) and one
from the American Concrete Institute (ACI).
The new parking lot features traffic control islands with trees and landscaping, new
sidewalks, and new handicapped and visitor parking closer to the school. McKeone even helped get the trees donated for the parking lot.
For the track and stadium project, the company was involved in everything from grading and drainage to fencing along the south side of
the stadium.
Phil McKeone graduated from Creighton Prep in 1970 and began working in concrete construction the same year. He attended Creighton
University until 1973 and founded Daedalus Construction in 1977. Daedalus Construction is a family-owned and operated concrete
construction company. The company is known for high-quality construction, experienced project management and competitive prices.
McKeone has been the president and sole stock holder since 1987 and a long-time advocate for Catholic schools. A life-long resident of
Nebraska, McKeone and his wife Jeanine have four children.
PRIDE
July 2012
Around the School
11
Alumnus T.J. Orr
Named RCHS Admissions Director
On June 1, Roncalli Catholic alumnus Timothy J. (T.J.) Orr
took on a new role at the school – he is the new Director of
Admissions and Recruitment. Orr is a class of 1996 alumnus
and has remained an active volunteer and advocate for the
school over the years.
According to RCHS President Jeff Dempsey, Orr is a great fit for
the position.
“T. J.’s enthusiasm, background in education, and history
of leadership here at Roncalli Catholic make him uniquely
qualified to lead our recruitment efforts,” said Mr. Dempsey.
Orr has served as the RCHS Alumni Board President and he has
been a teacher in the Omaha Public School system since 2003.
Most recently, he has served as the Head Football Coach and
Physical Education teacher at Monroe Middle School.
Pictured left, T. J. Orr and students really hit it off.
Roncalli Catholic Welcomes New
Communications Coordinator
Kristi Berger joined Roncalli Catholic last August and is the
school’s Communications Coordinator. This new position
was created to ensure that our community hears about all the
great things happening at Roncalli Catholic. Her duties include
writing PRIDE Magazine, alumni publications, press releases and
promotional materials. She also maintains the school’s website
and Facebook page.
Kristi spent the past seven years as a stay-at-home mom but
managed to do some freelance writing and editing for the
UNMC Eppley Cancer Center in her free time. Before that, she
was a Communications Specialist and Events Coordinator for the
Cancer Center.
Roncalli Catholic Welcomes New
Database Coordinator
Fr. Chi Igboanusi
Full-time Chaplain for RCHS
Kelly Bosn joined the Roncalli Catholic Development Team in
May as the Database Coordinator. She will be responsible for
the development database, assuring accuracy of the data input,
providing reports and query listings, and maintaining records on
all alumni, donors and donations received by Roncalli Catholic
High School. Prior to joining RCHS she was the Marketing
Manager at Mulhall’s Nursery.
In June, we received positive word from Archbishop Lucas,
regarding our request and hope of having Fr. Chi Igboanusi
join us here on a full-time basis. Fr. Chi’s full-time status
will allow him to more fully focus on the pastoral needs
of the Roncalli Catholic community, to spend time in
the classroom, and to preside over near-daily Mass in our
Chapel. This is tremendous news and a blessing for us all.
(From Jeff Demsey’s letter on page 4)
As a parent of two current students and one future student,
Kelly says that she is excited to be part of the Roncalli Catholic
Development Team.
12
Roncalli Catholic High School
Around the School
CRASH! Boom! BANG!
Fireworks Fundraiser
Benefits RCHS Students
With the help of student and parent volunteers,
Roncalli Catholic’s second annual fireworks
fundraiser brought in more funds than projected.
This event ran June 25 through July 5 and was set up
in the parking lot of Dave’s Auto Body off of I-680
and the Irvington Exit. Special thanks to Mark
Schumacher (‘82) for allowing us to use his lot for
the fundraiser.
Volunteers Leslie Smoot and
Andrea Lahowetz help
ring up orders at the
RCHS Fireworks
Fundraiser.
Students Help Others During
Annual Retreat
RCHS Hosts
Music in Catholic Schools Concerts
In April, Roncalli Catholic sophomores had their annual
service retreat to give back to the community.
This year, Roncalli Catholic hosted two concerts for Music in
Catholic Schools (MCS). The MCS Honor Band Spring Concert
was held on April 19 and the Joint Schools Concert for north
schools was held on May 6. Student musicians rehearsed at the
school in the weeks leading up to both performances as well.
The 2012 sophomore service retreat began with mass at St.
Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Students were then bussed to
one of seven different locations around the city to do three
hours of volunteer work. Locations included the Omaha Food
Bank, Bethlehem House, Madonna School, Heart Ministries,
Precious Memories, QLI, and Together, Inc. The event
concluded with lunch and reflections back at the church.
According to RCHS Chaplain Fr. Chi Igboanusi this event is as
important for the students as it is for the community.
“This (retreat) allows students to give back to God and the
community from the abundance of what they have received,”
said Igboanusi.
The students said their experiences were eye-opening, made
them realize how fortunate they are, and that it feels good to
help others.
Each year, Roncalli Catholic has a retreat for each class of
students. The freshmen have the Respect Retreat to help build
a positive school environment; juniors have the Responsibility
Retreat to examine the impact of their daily choices; and
seniors have the Wisdom Retreat to encourage good career
choices. All retreats are coordinated by RCHS Chaplain Fr.
Chi Igboanusi and Campus Ministry. The freshman, junior
and senior retreats are led by a team from Youth Ministry
Inc. of Minnesota. The sophomore retreat is led by Father
Igboanusi and Campus Ministry.
Music in Catholic Schools (MCS) is a band program under the
direction of the Superintendent of Schools, from the Omaha
Archdiocese. The program began in 1979 and provides a
complete band curriculum as well as enriching instrumental
activities for students enrolled in the participating schools,
regardless of financial resources.
Currently, 26 Catholic and five Lutheran schools are
served by the three teachers and one administrator of
the program. Find additional information on MCS at
http://www.archomaha.org/education/mcs/index.html.
q
RCHS Spring Concert Held April 17
Roncalli Catholic’s annual spring concert featured several
soloists and four groups including the Concert Chorus, Women’s
Chorus, PRIDE A Capella and Jazz Band.
The April 17 concert served as a practice concert for the District
Music Contest held on April 20-21 at Platteview High School. At
the district competition all RCHS students did well, scoring I, II
or III on a five-point scale with I being the best.
PRIDE
July 2012
Around the School
13
RCHS 2012 Summer Camps
Covered Arts and Athletics
Twelve-year-old Rachel Dempsey cuts clay while participating in
the Roncalli Catholic Pottery Camp, June 11-15. Students created
between nine and 12 clay projects by hand and using the potter’s
wheel. The Pottery Camp was one of five Fine Arts Camps offered at
Roncalli Catholic this summer.
The school’s summer program also features five Sports Camps in June
and July.
Each year, Roncalli Catholic hosts
summer camps for kids in
grades 4 to 8. From football
to photography, from cooking
to soccer skills, Roncalli Catholic’s
summer camps program had
something for everyone.
Check us out online for updates to events and activities:
www.roncallicatholic.org
23rd Annual Swing with Pride
A. Len Leavitt Memorial Golf Open
There’s Still Time to Make your Reservation!
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Players Club at Deer Creek
Supports scholarships and tuition grant programs for the students of Roncalli Catholic High School
Last year’s event raised $40,000
Social Hour, Silent Auction, Raffle Giveaways and Dinner Program follow golf
$125 per golfer • $500 per foursome
Mulligans: $5.00 each or three for $10.00
Raffle tickets: $5.00 each or three for $10.00 for a chance to win major prizes
New this year: Participants have a chance to win $10,000 for a hole-in-one on number 16
(Sponsored by Michael Maley and CBS Home)
Make your reservation today
on our secure website
www.roncallicatholic.org
For more information contact
Jeff Dempsey: [email protected]
Chad Crouch: [email protected]
Roncalli Catholic High School
14
Roncalli Catholic’s
new track is up and
running:
School hosts first track
meet on April 21
The final phase of the Roncalli Catholic stadium project is
officially complete and was capped off with a track meet
on the school’s new competition grade track. On Saturday,
April 21 the school had the first of what will be many track
meets on their campus.
The meet was an invitational for eight area middle schools.
St. Margaret Mary and St. Pius/ St. Leo hosted the event
which also included teams from Boystown, Mary Our
Queen, St. Albert’s (Council Bluffs), St. Columbkille, St.
Patrick’s (Elkhorn), and St. Robert’s.
Plans are in the works for the CRIMSON PRIDE track
teams to host a meet on-campus as early as next year. Until
then, the track will be used for practice for RCHS students
and will continue to be available to area middle schools for
meets. The school also used the track to host a Summer
Running & Cardio Camp for students in Grades 7 through
9, June 4-6.
According to RCHS President Jeff Dempsey the school’s
student athletes were previously using the parking lot,
hallways and other locations for practices.
“The new track will not only provide our students with a better place to
practice, but it will also be a great source of pride for them when they host
meets on their very own campus,” said Dempsey.
A major initiative within the school’s recently completed capital campaign,
the completion of the track marks a milestone in a tremendous effort which
also included: the installation of stadium bleachers, lights, fencing and a
press box; the construction of a concession stand, restrooms and ticket
booth; and extensive landscaping. Roncalli Catholic’s athletic facilities can
now be considered among the most comprehensive of any high school in
the metropolitan area.
Around the School
A Celebration of Spirit
The Notre Dame Sisters held their annual
Celebration of Spirit Dinner on April 1 at
Roncalli Catholic High School.
The event was held to honor the 2012 Mother
Qualberta Award recipient, Ann O’Connor, an
RCHS Class of 1978 alumnus.
RCHS President Jeff Dempsey, Sister Margaret
Hickey, ND and RCHS President Emeritus
Fr. Lloyd Gnirk visit during the silent auction
portion of the fundraising dinner. Sister
Margaret Hickey, ND is a former RCHS
teacher and RCHS Development Director.
Funds raised at the event support the
numerous ministries of the Notre Dame
Sisters.
PRIDE
July 2012
15
All About
Roncalli Catholic Class of 2002
10-year Class Reunion
The Roncalli Catholic Class of 2002 celebrated their
10-year reunion on May 12. The festivities began
with a 9 a.m. golf outing at the Benson Golf Course.
A family picnic was held at Roncalli Catholic in the late
afternoon and there was a Social Hour at Deuces Bar in
the evening for the adults.
Pictured are class members Pat McCarville,
Joe Hruska, Sean Lynn and Gary Lehn
at the class reunion golf outing.
Where Are They Now?
Robert Hutchinson (1974) is the project manager and
architect for the overseas Air Force air bases.
Alumnus Joe Bircher Drafted by
the Houston Astros
Roncalli Catholic alumnus Joe Bircher (2008) will be playing for
the Houston Astros. Bircher was the first pick of the 10th round
in the Major League Baseball draft held June 5.
Bircher was a second-team all-state pitcher in his junior and
senior years and led the Crimson Pride to state championships
in 2007 and 2008.
Read the story online in the Omaha World-Herald.
We want to hear from YOU!
Life is about those special moments.
Keep us up-to-date with the wonderful milestones
Danny Kulus (2008) got married, moved to Vermont and
had a little girl named Savannah.
Timothy Stephens (2008) received an associate’s degree in
Applied Science from Iowa Western in 2010 and went on to
complete an associate’s degree in Biomedical Equipment
Technology from Southeast Tech in Sioux Falls. He now
works for Bio-Electronics servicing medical equipment.
Colette (Wilson) Stock (2002) has been working at First
Data Resources for the past ten years, just celebrated her 9th
wedding anniversary, and has two kids, Caroline, age 7, and
Gabriel, age 5.
Heidi (Geier) Woodard (1995) received Creighton’s Leader
for Life Award on May 3. The Leader for Life Award honors
an individual whose actions have made a lasting impression
on women’s sports at the University. Woodard was an awardwinning softball player for the school in the mid-1990s,
graduating with a B.A. in journalism in 1999.
happening in your life and with your family.
Contact us:
Kristi Berger • 571.7670 ext 112
[email protected]
Kelly Bosn • 571.7670 ext 111
[email protected]
Deaths
Thomas Kirkpatrick (1975) passed away on June 5
following a short, intense battle with cancer.
Keisha Norton (2003) passed away on March 13.
Roncalli Catholic High School
16
Chrimson Pride Varsity Football Schedule
(as of 05-30-12)
Date
Time Opponent Location Friday, Aug 24, 2012
7:00PM Mount Michael
Roncalli Catholic High School
Friday, Aug 31, 2012
7:00PM Away vs. Platteview Platteview High School
Friday, Sep 7, 2012
7:00PM Away vs. Nebraska City Nebraska City High School
Friday, Sep 14, 2012
7:00PM Elkhorn South Roncalli Catholic High School
Friday, Sep 21, 2012
7:00PM South Sioux City High School Roncalli Catholic High School
Friday, Sep 28, 2012
7:00PM Away vs. Blair Blair High School
Friday, Oct 5, 2012
7:00PM Away vs. Skutt Catholic High School Skutt Catholic High School
Friday, Oct 12, 2012
7:00PM Gross Catholic High School Roncalli Catholic High School
Friday, Oct 19, 2012
7:00PM Away vs. Ralston High School Ralston High School
CLICK HERE FOR THE RONCALLI CATHOLIC ONLINE SPORTS CALENDAR
Crimson Pride to kick off season
with first home game against
Mount Michael
The August 24 football season opener kicks off a whole new Class
B schedule for the Roncalli Catholic Crimson Pride.
With 340 registered students the school has moved from Class
C1 to Class B, which will result in some firsts for the school’s
football team. Specifically, the Class B switch, coupled with
the school’s new football stadium, will result in the team playing
Gross, Mt. Michael and Skutt on their own turf.
Live at the stadium or live on KVSS
Save the date, break out your RCHS gear and come cheer the
team on to a season opener victory!
If you can’t make it to the game, just tune in to 102.7 FM. The
August 24 game will be featured as the KVSS Game of the Week
and will be aired live from the Rummel Stadium press box.